A newborn should generally consume about 2.5 ounces of breast milk or formula per pound of body weight per day. For example, an 8-pound baby would need roughly 20 ounces daily
. Feeding amounts by age:
- In the first few days, newborns typically take 1 to 2 ounces per feeding every 2 to 3 hours
- By 2 weeks, this increases to about 2 to 3 ounces per feeding
- By 1 month, babies usually consume 3 to 4 ounces per feeding, amounting to about 24 to 32 ounces per day
- Feedings occur approximately every 3 to 4 hours, with about 6 to 8 feedings per day in the first month
Additional notes:
- Newborns may initially drink only small amounts of colostrum (around half an ounce per feeding) in the first couple of days, which is nutrient-dense and sufficient
- Feeding should be on demand, responding to hunger cues rather than strictly scheduled amounts
- Overfeeding should be avoided; most babies will regulate their intake naturally
In summary, a newborn's daily intake is roughly 2.5 ounces per pound of body weight, with feedings starting at 1-2 ounces per feeding and increasing to about 3-4 ounces by one month old, typically spread over 6 to 8 feedings per day.
